6. Be a social butterfly.
I am always jealous of people who have those great stories they tell at parties about their crazy and memorable friends from college. It’s delightfully surprising when a friend of mine gets a visit from a friend they met in college. I love to hear the “Remember that time” stories. It’s so satisfying to see how a strong bond formed at a young age can mature. Meet everyone. Introduce yourself to everyone. You never know which friendships can last and evolve into adulthood.

5. Date everyone.
If there’s ever an appropriate time to be a whore, it is in college. I am not suggesting promiscuity; I am talking about being a coffee date whore. College is a time for experimenting and getting to know what you like. You are developing your opinions about the world, and that includes people. Think of college as your own giant dating pool and an opportunity to date different types of people.

I have a few friends who married at a young age because they thought that’s what you’re supposed to do in college—get a degree, find a spouse and get married. And, although they are happy with their lives, I do sympathize when I hear their regrets about not taking the chance to date more when they were younger. Being a coffee date whore is safe and fun. If the date goes beyond coffee, be smart and use protection!

4. Join a club.
There are a lot of charitable, social and political clubs on university campuses. If you find you’re interested in something, there is probably an organized club that espouses your interest. Joining a club introduces you to like-minded individuals who share a greater cause. It’s an ideal way to make new friends and champion a common interest.

3. Watch a lot of free films.
One of America’s greatest exports is our films. In our country’s history, so many great films have been produced. If you’re attending a school that’s even worth the price of admission, there will be a program with free film screenings that showcases classics every week. Watch them. And stay late for the Q&A discussions. You’ll get a free education in film appreciation and it will also fill you with the knowledge and language in which to speak about films. Consider film screenings a type of Culture 101.

2. Take advantage of the college discounts.
Everyone struggles in college. You’d be surprised at how many local businesses offer student discounts. Movies. Restaurants. Entertainment venues. Book stores. Sporting events. Milk your student discount for all it’s worth; before you know it, you’ll be paying full fare like the rest of us schmucks.

1. Have fun.
I cannot stress this enough. The rest of your adult life will be center around paying bills, excelling at your job, and working for someone else. In this stage of your life, you are your own boss and social director. You make your own schedule. You determine how hard you work and play. Remember to balance the fun and the study. Make college an experience you can be proud of when you leave. Own your college experience.

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